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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on at the Capitol and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-3920, email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Upcoming Events
Virtual Coffee Hours
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming virtual coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. You can join the livestream on my Facebook page here.
Wednesday, June 9 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Legislative Update
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Last week in the Legislature, the Michigan House passed a series of fiscal year 2022 departmental budgets. While I am pleased that the House released more COVID-19 relief dollars, Republican leadership failed to adopt several critical amendments introduced by myself and my colleagues. These amendments would have:
I offered an amendment to the DHHS budget to reroute funds allocated for crisis pregnancy centers to provide postpartum care for up to one year for people who give birth, but it was voted down.
I believe that our state budget is a reflection of our values, and I remain disappointed that partisanship has once again come in between Michiganders and the relief they deserve. As we continue to navigate this public health crisis, I will continue to fight for increased access to quality healthcare, protections for our frontline workers and better resources for our schools. For a more in-depth explanation of the votes that I took on each departmental budget, click here.
Closing the Revolving Door in Lansing Last week, I had the opportunity to testify before the House Rules and Competitiveness Committee on my bill, HB 4687. This legislation would prevent legislators from leveraging their service to secure more lucrative lobbyist positions. Members of the House are elected to serve the public, not their own personal or professional interests. I am thrilled that we have moved one step closer to making this bill a law.
COVID-19 Relief COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is a federally funded program available through MSHDA to help Michigan tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent. The program can provide rental and utility assistance for eligible renter households so that they retain their housing stability. The CERA program is an important resource for those who have experienced financial hardships due to the pandemic and provides peace of mind to renters by ensuring they will be able to stay in their homes.
MSHDA is currently administering the CERA Program through its statewide network of local nonprofit housing resource agencies.
MSHDA estimates that 50,000 to 55,000 families will be able to receive financial assistance through CERA. For more info on who is eligible, check out the FAQ page here.
HOW TO APPLY? MSHDA has an online application portal for application intake. This is the best way to apply for those that have a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Tenants and landlords can also apply through their local service agency. Please see the CERA Contact List for the service agency in our county.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky State Representative 19th House District |
